Cost of Living in Highlands, NC

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F
47%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
155%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Highlands North Carolina National
Cost of living14796100
Groceries101100100
Health care9999100
Housing25588100
Transportation9999100
Utilities10499100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare98100100
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Homes For Sale In Highlands, NC

property for sale

48 Bear Foot Ln

Highlands, NC
property for sale

261 Rockface TRL

Highlands, NC
property for sale

108 Shortoff Shadow TRL

Highlands, NC
property for sale

3731 Dillard Rd

Highlands, NC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highlands is 53% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Highlands is 47% higher than the national average
  • Highlands housing is 155% higher than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Highlands

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Compare Highlands, NC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$122,556$10,213$2,859$3,677
      Renters$38,479$3,207$898$1,154

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clayton, GA1,8858812.2%
      Mountain City, GA1,0969010.5%
      Salem, SC180927.6%
      Franklin, NC4,123964.2%
      Dillard, GA341954.6%
      Highlands, NC1,09514746.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Vanceboro, NC1,0958415.7%
      Ellendale, ND1,0958316.7%
      Huntland, TN1,0958416.3%
      Lamar, TX1,09512120.6%
      Rocky Ridge, UT1,0951066.0%
      Highlands, NC1,09514746.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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